Odysseus

/oʊˈdɪsiəs/ noun

Definition

The legendary Greek hero and king of Ithaca from Homer's epic poem 'The Odyssey,' famous for his long journey home after the Trojan War.

Etymology

From ancient Greek 'Ὀδυσσεύς' (Odysseus); the etymology of the name itself is debated, but may relate to 'odysse' meaning 'to hate' or 'odussesthai' meaning 'to be angry at.'

Kelly Says

Odysseus's 10-year journey home made 'odyssey' synonymous with any long, difficult voyage—his name has become a metaphor for struggle and perseverance in Western culture.

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